Lippi: Italy have had too many revolutions

ROME - Italy coach Marcello Lippi has denied dragging his heels over injecting fresh blood and will give debuts to Claudio Marchisio and Domenico Criscito in Wednesday's friendly against Switzerland.

Published

11 August 2009

Lippi has come under pressure to phase out members of the 2006 World Cup-winning team after the poor Confederations Cup showing in June when Italy were knocked out at the group stage after defeats by Egypt and Brazil.

The core of the 61-year-old's team is still formed by World Cup winners, eight of whom are in the squad for the game in Basel.

Two others, Daniele De Rossi and Gennaro Gattuso, have been rested while striker Luca Toni is unfit. Lippi argues he is bringing in fresh faces as fast as possible but the transition must be gradual.

"They will both play from the first minute," Lippi told reporters on Tuesday when asked about Juventus midfielder Marchisio and Genoa defender Criscito.

"I see some people keep asking for revolution but we have already had too many revolutions. Here we have youngsters such as Criscito, Marchisio, (Salvatore) Bocchetti, (Davide) Santon."

Criscito's uncapped Genoa team mate Bocchetti is also travelling to Switzerland as is Inter Milan's highly rated 18-year-old full back Santon, who was part of the Confederations Cup squad.

Udinese playmaker Gaetano D'Agostino and Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti also feature after making their debuts in June's 3-0 win over Northern Ireland in a friendly.

Captain Fabio Cannavaro will break Paolo Maldini's Italy record of 126 appearances if he plays on Wednesday.

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